NICHOLAS’ STORY:

On April 15th, their 3 year old Nicholas was on a swing when the rope broke and he hit his head. After a visit to the pediatrician to be checked, he started vomiting upon his return home so they headed to the ER. Once he got to the ER he started being lethargic and the doctor said he has to be intubated. He was helicoptered to the RWJ in New Brunswick where he underwent a craniotomy due to a hematoma. This also caused a brain stroke and has left Nicholas with little mobility on his right side and no sight in his right eye. He has a long way to recover.

MAY 22, 2022 UPDATE:

"We are home. He beat all odds, mainly the doctor said he believes it was us being there every day by his side supporting him. I told the doctor was due to my community's help. This was done because of Steps Together. My husband and I are already thinking of ways of paying back and we know we will contribute to Steps Together for life."

Nico went from not moving to walking, to eating on his own. He still doesn't speak much but his family is praying that all the therapy ahead will help.

Steps Together will continue to be there for them and we appreciate your continued support of their meal chain as they adjust to being home again.

JUNE 27, 2022 UPDATE:

My son is doing really well. We go to therapy Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday, for a total of four sessions. Tuesdays are the hardest because his sessions are an hour long and he has two that day. He has worked really hard but the therapist can tell how exhausting it is for him, so we have to be patient but continue pushing him so he can improve. We also took him to the ophthalmologist last week, and he has a 20/20 vision, which is a miracle since the ocular part of the brain is dead, but prayers are stronger than anything I have ever seen, and my son is a testament of this. My family and I are very grateful for all the help we have received, we are working hard to stabilize ourselves and adapt to our new life, a life in which we spend a lot of time at doctor's appointments, therapies, and working so Nico can have a regular life in the future. On another note, Nicholas turned 4 yesterday, and we felt so blessed to be able to be with him.